Today in Performance Sneaker History: Mary Decker Breaks World Record in Nikes

Mary Decker is one runner you should know about. On January 18, 1985, she broke the world record for finishing the women's 2,000 meter race in just five minutes and 34.2 seconds. Ahead of her time in more ways than one, Decker was always seen donning Nike gear from head-to-toe.

The year prior, in the 1984 Summer Olympics, tragedy struck the female runner. After being favored to win the Gold Medal and making it to the final race of the event, Decker was unintentionally knocked over by notoriously barefoot runner Zola Budd. Due to the collision, Decker did not finish the event. Luckily, the following year, she was able to put the incident behind her and continue her illustrious career.